Since our very earliest ancestors decided to fashion spears and chase animals for food, to our modern day; we as humans have quite the relationship with meat.
We are, however, not talking for all humans, and we have nothing against all you devout vegetarians, vegans, and pescatarians out there. Yet, as a fully-fledged carnivore, when you need a meat fix there is something special about sinking your knife into a juicy steak or wrapping your lips around a succulent burger. *wipes mouth*
Be it barbecued, grilled, pan fried, roasted, braised, smoked, poached, or chargrilled; rest assured there are few things in this world that can turn a frown upside down like getting your meat on. After some tasty research, we present to you the finest destinations for lovers of meat from around our golden coast. Enjoy!
The Lamb Shop
We are not going to spin a whimsical yarn here… This place is, well, EPIC. Situated on Broadbeach’s Oracle Boulevard, The Lamb Shop is quite the casual lunch and dinner spot for lovers of meat. Serving up a plethora of Greek-inspired fast food dishes with the main focus being mouth-watering souvlaki. Grab a meal to go or pull up a stool at the long bar and relish in the meaty aromas wafting from the rotisseries. We’ll take a side of garlic and feta fries with that, please sir.
Where: Shop 106, 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Lester & Earl
Palm Beach’s foodie scene is on the up and up ladies and gents, and among the existing forerunners is moody Americana smokehouse Lester & Earl. Man-sized dawgs, slow-cooked ribs, and a mighty fine craft beer selection makes these guys a stand out destination for Gold Coast meat lovers. If you’re an advocate for a fine view to accompany your food, beeline for the rear balcony—sea views galore.
Where: 1097 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Bondi Grill’e
Prepare to loosen a belt notch or two after a visit to Coolangatta’s Bondi Grill’e. Ribs and monster T-bone steaks are a-plenty here, as well as a clever plethora of burger choices all aptly named after famous surf spots. Don’t believe these guys are the goods? You’ll have to ask the numerous pro surfers who are regulars, next time they’re in town.
Where: 2/99 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Glenelg Public House
If you haven’t checked out this sultry, relaxed Mermaid Beach gastro pub yet, then you bloody should. Copy? Glenelg Public House’s dishes are extremely well put together; the flavours, the pairings and attention to detail are worthy of any top-notch fine dining restaurant and the steak selection is one of the best you’ll find on the Coast. Period. Add to that a sterling drinks list and polished service and you’ve got one of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast for meat lovers.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Hellenika
Ouzo and plate smashing aside, there is one thing the Greeks do well, and that’s chargrilled meat. Hellenika doesn’t need any introduction, but what you need to be told is how darn good their meat dishes “from the wood fire” actually are. Whether it’s pork belly that’s been pressed overnight with salt to accentuate its crispy skin, or marinated lamb ribs that are then tossed onto the chargrill to order; be sure to make a trip to Nobbys when you hear your stomach shouting “meat!”
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Moo Moo
Where do we begin with Moo Moo? Ah, that’s right, one of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast with a strong #meatgame. Having recently undergone a glam renovation, this Broadbeach hot spot is very much the epitome of a meat lover’s paradise. Your dinner is displayed hanging from meat hooks near the kitchen and the menu even states your cow of choice’s vital stats: age, breed, size, and diet; pretty cool for those who like to know their food inside out.
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Clifford’s Grill & Lounge
Commanding a corner position on the ground floor of the Watermark Hotel, both sophisticated and elegant, Clifford’s Grill walks the line between a suave city-style restaurant and a casual bar and grill. So, don’t feel the need to pull out your tie here boys. The menu boasts some lesser-known meats such as Spanish black hoof ham (Pata Negra) and old favourites such as a “super slow-cooked” lamb shoulder with all the trimmings. Clifford’s is most definitely a restaurant raising the steaks (pun intended) in Surfers Paradise’s dining scene.
Where: 3032 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
The Loose Moose
Galloping its way into the Broadbeach food scene is the atmospheric The Loose Moose. This new North American prohibition era-inspired establishment is going the distance with its meat offerings with a fancy smoker behind the pass that’s churning out epic beef, pork, and lamb ribs. Add to that, the burger list is impressive, the share plates are finger lickin’, there’s a dedicated menu for the ankle-biters, AND you can opt to have this all takeaway. Decide to stay though, and you might feel the need to try one or six of the 130 whiskies lining the back bar.
Where: Oasis Shopping Plaza, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Tribeca NYC
One of the first North American-themed restaurants to spur the movement, Tribeca NYC is a hot contender among the best restaurants on the Gold Coast for meat lovers. With a secret ribs recipe that inspired the birth of the diner, the brother and mother team behind this sleek family-run eatery slash bar will warm your heart while their hearty dishes (think: steak rib fillets, sticky full racks of ribs, fried chicken, and wings) will warm your stomach. Cue the meat sweats.
Where: 58 Thomas Avenue, Chevron Island
Are you a meat lover but don’t have the cash to splash? We’ve rounded up nine spots on the Gold Coast with chicken wing happy hours. Penny pinchers, you’re welcome!
Photo Credit: Hayley Williamson for Metropolist